Week 10: Mildura to Renmark - 2000 km
- anjawever45
- Jun 8
- 4 min read
Cy and I have arrived in Renmark and now completed 2000 km of our expedition (340 km hike & 1660 km of rowing/paddling)!!
We left Mildura with the incredible help of Russell Cornwall, who picked us up from our cabin and assisted with the launch. Preparation is key when you’re carrying 12 days' worth of food! Thanks to the support of Michael Wild (Captain), Russell Cornwall, and the Mildura Rowing Club crew, we felt so welcomed and ready for the next leg of our adventure.
I was apprehensive about getting back on the water. My boat felt heavy and the length and remoteness of the journey ahead was worrying me. With Neville documenting our departure, we said our goodbyes and set off at 7:45 am, reaching Lock 11 by 8 am.
A remote and quite challenging stretch - the reality of rowing such a distance!
The journey from Mildura to Renmark I felt was the most difficult section to overcome. One morning, Cy woke with a severe stomach pain, unable to move— when you’re miles from immediate help, these situations create great anxiety. Where we could, we would always camp close to the locks in case we needed help. Of course we carry emergency beacons and satellite devices.
Thankfully, it turned out to be indigestion, but I felt quite worried at the time.
Temperatures dropped significantly, and we woke to our tent and boats covered in a thin layer of ice a few mornings. Those mornings were brutal—our fingers and feet aching with the cold and we, I admit, shed a few tears from sheer exhaustion and discomfort and I yearned for warmer temperatures. Despite layering up, my feet remained icy until midday, when the sun finally helped warm them up. A reminder that I sit on top of a rowing boat and exposed to the elements. I have developed chill blains and my feet have become inflamed from the constant exposure to moisture and cold.
Finding a suitable campsite added another layer of stress. Some nights, we had to row quite a few extra kilometers to find a safe spot, once even ending up on private property. It’s always the way, we come by the most amazing camp spots when not ready to stop and when you need them, they are just not coming up.
Fatigue had set in, and with weight loss affecting our ability to retain heat, the journey is becoming very challenging. Cy's wrist pain has become worse and our minds are growing just a bit weary.
The beautiful river & landscape
Despite the struggles, there is the reward of breathtaking views!
We passed from the Murray River (green water) into the Darling River (brown water) as we made a detour to Wentworth, a lovely little township. Whilst we did not manage to meet anybody from the Wentworth Rowing Club, we passed by the club and took a picture. We also met Alan Davison who greeted us on the Darling river; Alan is a multi-Murray marathon kayaker who is currently on a mission to explore various rivers of Australia with a length over 3500 km and an inspiration!
We passed stunning cliffs, navigated through many locks, and crossed into South Australia—seeing the border sign was such exciting moment.
River life presents a whole different culture and pace that I appreciate.
Cy and I continue to have deep conversations around the fire and we have created so many shared memories. Cy has reflected in many ways and I am so proud of how far he has come. There are days where my spirits are low and he is the one sending positive vibes and words of encouragement for a change.
Renmark Rowing Club
Tony Townsend, President of the Renmark Rowing Club welcomed us with a big hug. He ensured our safe arrival to Renmark and was on call as the weather turned into another storm!
Some people appear to turn a blind eye to the weather and tackling high winds and gusts. I row a single scull top loaded with gear and winds over 35 km/hr and gusts of 65 km/ hr are plain dangerous given freezing water temperatures.
We were able to store our boats safely and that is such a relief. Renmark rowing club boasts an impressive 70-meter pontoon and a top-tier boat ramp—definitely giving me pontoon envy!
Tony also gave us a tour of the area, revealing the beauty of the landscape, mandarin and orange farms. Claire Smith, a club member drove us to our humble motel.
I am recovering from inflamed feet and chill blains and hobbling around Renmark and exploring the area.
Preparing for the final stretch needed some adjustments
We’re now recovering in Renmark, adjusting our distances. Windier conditions make navigation more challenging, and our speed has slowed as the river is wide and we have no more current. With roughly 500 km left—around three weeks of rowing—the most difficult last section lies ahead. My biggest concern is the rain and wind given the cold temperatures and Cy and I stick together now.
We calculated that we have approximately 21 days of rowing/paddling left (plus rest days) and we are getting so excited seeing my family.
We deeply appreciate the ongoing support from family, friends, and rowing clubs along the way.
As we prepare for the next stretch toward Waikerie, with hope to be visiting the Berri Rowing Club en route. On our radar are also Murray Bridge, Tailems Bend, and Goolwa Rowing clubs.
Please wish us luck as we embrace the final weeks of this incredible journey - we are rowing/ kayaking the third longest navigable river in the world!!
